Indian-American billionaire Vinod Khosla hosted Joe Biden at his Silicon Valley residence
Washington:
Prominent Indian-American billionaire and venture capitalist Vinod Khosla hosted US President Joe Biden at his Silicon Valley residence for an election fundraiser during which the presumptive Democratic Party nominee raised more than $1, 5 million.
Tickets for Friday’s fundraiser at the home of Mr. Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems and founder of Khosla Ventures, ranged from $6,600 to $100,000.
In the 2024 election cycle, this was the first time the president participated in a fundraiser organized by an Indian American.
More than $1.5 million was raised during the event attended by many Indian-Americans from the Silicon Valley region. There were about 50 people sitting and about 30 standing.
In his remarks, which lasted about 15 minutes, President Biden focused more on immigration and women’s rights. He also talked about Donald Trump.
Although he said the US is not a xenophobic country, Biden did not mention India and Japan this time, contrary to his controversial comments at a fundraiser in Washington DC about a week ago.
“They (immigrants) have contributed incredibly to the work ethic of this country – incredible. One of the reasons we continue to grow is that we are not xenophobic. We have the contribution of new immigrants coming into the country who should come into the country which is generating economic growth,” he said amid applause from the select group of fundraisers.
President Biden was introduced at the fundraiser by Mr. Khosla, the host.
“Vinod and Neeru (Khosla), thank you. Thank you for this performance and for your entire family. You know, one of the bad news of being a child or a nephew in a deeply involved family is that you have no way out,” the president said.
“Thank you for inviting us to your wonderful home because I came to see your dogs. As the press might say, sometimes I like dogs more than people,” said President Biden, 81, referring to his love and affection for dogs.
The president’s speechwriter Vinay Reddy was among the senior White House officials who accompanied Biden at the fundraiser.
On the way to Khosla’s residence, the presidential convoy was greeted by Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups.
One woman stood with an Israeli flag and a sign that said, “Thank you, Biden.”
Less than two kilometers away, a group of about two dozen protesters stood at an intersection with signs that read “Hands off Rafah” and “Cease fire now.”
About four people waved US and Israeli flags as the motorcade took the final road.
In his remarks, President Biden made several jokes about the former president and his Republican Party rival, Donald Trump. “Not everyone is feeling that enthusiasm these days. The other day a guy came up and said I’m in serious trouble, I have no money, I don’t know what to do. President Biden said.
He had a slight twist on a line about bleach in Trump’s hair and instead said he should have injected it: “Remember him saying the best thing to do is inject some bleach into your arm… I wish that he had done it a little himself.” He spoke of Trump’s pride in “South Korean President Kim Jong Un’s love letters,” likely referring to the North Korean.
President Biden urged the public to read Trump’s Time magazine interview. He spoke about reports that Trump asked oil executives to donate $1 billion to his campaign by making the sign of the cross.
Ajay Bhutoria, a member of the Democratic National Committee’s National Finance Committee who also participated in the fundraiser, said Indian-Americans could influence the outcome in several swing states, potentially affecting the Nov. 5, 2024, House race. Branca in support of President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Bhutoria, who has been involved in Joe Biden’s campaign since its inception, highlighted the fundamental role of Asian-Americans, especially South Asians and Indian-Americans, in what he considers one of the most critical elections in history.
According to Federal Election Commission records, Khosla has so far donated about $1.4 million to democratic campaigns and organizations.
A prominent venture capitalist, he is co-founder of Sun Microsystems. He is known for his investments in technology startups and advocacy for clean technologies and renewable energy. Khosla Ventures, his venture capital firm, has funded numerous successful companies across diverse sectors.
Mr. Khosla has been involved in political advocacy, particularly on issues related to technology, energy and the environment. Although he has contributed to political causes and candidates, his political support and involvement may vary over time and depend on the specific issues and candidates involved.
President Biden is set to face former President Trump in the November 5, 2024 presidential election, a rematch between them since their 2020 clash.
(Except the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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